AfriGeneas Free Persons of Color Forum

Since I originally posted "Mississippi in 1859" I received from a Historian in Mississippi a copy of the Petition in belhalf of Jordan Chavis by group of white men. The petition was to the Mississippi Legislature to allow Jordan to remain in MS. The argument was his age & infirmities, his loyalty to the US in serving in the War of 1812 and his being a good citizen. They said it would be cruel to send him away. It was approved. He was referred to as a free colored man.

I have gathered more info. on my Chavis family and the troubles they faced during the Civil War and during Reconstruction. Some of the battles that the younger generation carried on with the US Government. Some of them remained in MS until they died. As I mentioned, some of them left the state and never returned. Mostly settling in Ashley County, AR. They left MS at various times. Several left in 1859 when the pressure was put on free people of color.